Sound Processing Apparatus Using Phase-Inverted Transducers for Echo Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voice recognition and voice print recognition techniques require high signal-noise ratios, which are difficult to achieve due to stringent echo cancellation requirements, especially in scenarios where machines need to understand user instructions during interaction, and existing software algorithms face challenges with noise reduction, double-talk detection, and low-frequency echo cancellation.
Innovation Solution
A sound-processing apparatus and method using pairs or sets of sound transducers that output sound signals with opposite phases and equal amplitudes, ensuring equal amplitude-frequency characteristics, allowing for physical noise reduction and improved signal-noise ratios through symmetrical sound path design and phase inversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If software algorithms are used for echo cancellation, then voice recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based echo cancellation algorithms with a hardware-based acoustic solution using multiple sound transducers arranged in specific spatial configurations. This substitutes complex computational processing with physical acoustic field manipulation, reducing device complexity while maintaining voice recognition accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of sound transmission by adjusting the spatial arrangement, phase, and amplitude of multiple sound transducers. By manipulating these physical parameters directly in the acoustic domain rather than processing audio signals computationally, the system achieves echo cancellation with simpler hardware.
2Measurement precision
If maximum echo cancellation is achieved through software processing, then signal-noise ratio is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs echo cancellation in advance through the physical arrangement and pre-synchronization of multiple sound transducers before voice recognition processing begins. By establishing the acoustic field configuration beforehand, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time software processing during actual voice interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-intensive software echo cancellation with instantaneous hardware-based acoustic field manipulation, where multiple transducers simultaneously produce counter-phase sounds to cancel echoes in real-time without computational delay.
3Device complexity
If single sound transducer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but echo cancellation effectiveness and signal-noise ratio deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single sound transducer into multiple segmented transducers arranged in specific spatial configurations. Each transducer handles a portion of the acoustic field, and their combined output achieves superior echo cancellation compared to a single transducer, while the segmentation allows for simpler individual component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sound transducers into a coordinated acoustic system where their outputs are combined in the acoustic field. By merging the capabilities of multiple transducers with controlled phase and amplitude relationships, the system achieves enhanced echo cancellation effectiveness without requiring complex individual transducer designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves better echo cancellation and noise reduction, enhancing signal-noise ratios and facilitating effective man-machine interaction by utilizing the principle of superposition cancellation of waves with opposite phases, reducing the need for complex software algorithms and improving low-frequency noise handling.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the principle of superposition cancellation of waves with opposite phases
Data Source
AI summary
A sound-processing apparatus comprises at least one pair of sound transducers. A first sound transducer may receive an audio source signal and output a first sound signal according to the audio source signal. A second sound transducer may receive the audio source signal and output a second sound signal according to the audio source signal, the second sound signal having opposite phase from the first sound signal. A difference between the second and first sound signal amplitudes may be less than or equal to an amplitude threshold value. A sound acquisition device may acquire a sound signal. Path-characteristic differences between amplitude-frequency characteristics of a first sound path from the first sound transducer to the sound acquisition device and a second sound path from the second sound transducer to the sound acquisition device may be less than or equal to a first characteristic threshold value.